questions & answers

Question: My 36 year old daughter died recently in a car crash. I have had to make all funeral arrangements, so sent my ex-husband the bill for him to pay HALF. He is bulking at paying it. We are both next of kin, do I have to pay the whole $7500 myself, or do I have any recourse to make him own up to his responsibilities to his deceased daughter?

Answer: ARS 36-831.  Burial duties; notification requirements; failure to perform duty; veterans; immunity; definitions will assist you with the answer you are looking for. This statute provides for the burial duties, which your ex-husband may be liable for a portion of. Additionally, if it is determined your ex-husband is liable for a portion of the funeral arrangements, he can be held liable to you for two times the expense you paid for the funeral arrangements. This amount can be recovered by a civil action.
http://www.azleg.gov/search/oop/qfullhit.asp?CiWebHitsFile=/ars/36/00831.htm&CiRestriction=funeral